SULLY Centurions Cricket Club started their 2017 season with a friendly at Panteg Cricket Club. Some new and old faces were included in the side, which finished on top, winning by three wickets.

The home side batted first and were soon in trouble as Tarv Dhanjal removed both openers by the time the score had reached 10.

Josh Bryan got in on the act with the wicket of Jenkins for eight before Tarv rounded off his spell by trapping Farrant lbw for eight also, to leave Panteg on 30 for four in the eighth over.

Panteg then rallied, thanks to a half century stand between Clarke, who top scored with 54, and Westward (18).

Clarke’s innings came to an end when he was bowled by Dave Goodway and then new skipper Jake Griffett had Westward lbw with the score on 116 for 6.

There was some stubborn resistance from Edwards (30) but when he was bowled by new boy Harish, the end was in sight. Santosh Singh took two wickets and Jason Hicks had one, as the last three batsmen all fell for zero and the Panteg innings closed on 148 all out.

Best bowling figures were returned by Tarv (3/12) and Santosh (2/11).

After tea, Craig Brock and Russell Thomas took the score along to 39 when Russell was lbw to Joshi for 13.

Craig was joined by Rhett Jones and they had put on 48 by the time Rhett was caught, again off the bowling of Joshi, for 45.

Craig Brock reached 39 when he was caught by Salkeld off Clarke’s bowling with the score on 115 for 4.

Then a middle order wobble saw three wickets fall for only six runs before Gethin Hicks and Jake Griffett saw Centurions safely home – both ending on 18 not out.

Panteg 148 all out

Sully Centurions 152/7

This weekend there are two more friendly matches, both at home.

Saturday’s match is against Aberdare, with a 2pm start. On Sunday Centurions entertain neighbours Barry Wanderers, starting at 1.15pm.

All players are asked to contact either Dave Sylvester or Jake Griffett with their availability.